Factory farming

They suffer, we suffer

End animal-cruelty and prevent future pandemics

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Dog and Cat Meat Trade

To save us, we need to first save them

Be part of it and help us change the system!

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Mink caged for fur farming

preventing pandemics at the source

Changing our behaviours to support both human and animal wellbeing 

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Preventing the Pandemic of Tomorrow, Together

COVID-19 has taught us many things, and one of these hard-hitting truths is that we must improve the way that humans treat animals. As three-fourths of emerging human infectious diseases come from animals, the world’s leading scientists and experts have shown us the link between animal welfare and increasing pandemic risk. But the political will to curtail that risk is absent. We cannot let this happen – again!

#TheySufferWeSuffer#TheySufferWeSuffer

Around the globe, 2020 stretched us all to our limits and we have now reached a pivotal point in society. But, these hard times have now given us a huge opportunity to change how we live and change the way animals are treated around the world. 

We cannot do this alone! Our Government holds the key and has the opportunity to make these changes. They have a chance to take bold action now to prevent future pandemics. Help us to tell the decision-makers this cannot wait any longer – they must use this pandemic as a turning point.

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Demand a world of higher animal welfare! 

Resetting our system for a better tomorrow

The world needs a reset of our relationship with animals. International institutions and national governments need to tackle the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence in a holistic approach which recognizes animal welfare as one major aspect in the prevention of pandemics and must take action to improve animal welfare. The One Welfare Framework could serve as a guiding framework towards treating our planet and all its inhabitants with more respect, care and compassion – for their sake and ours. The political response to prevent future pandemics must focus on making our farming and agricultural systems more resilient and banning practices that increase the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread, like the commercial wildlife trade, the dog and cat meat trade and fur farming.

Our demands 

Closing all fur farms

Closing all fur farms


to end the cruel and deadly fur industry. The battery cage systems with cramped conditions cause immense animal suffering, create ideal conditions for viruses and present a serious public-health risk.
Read more: COVID-19 in fur farms!

Banning the commercial trade of wild animals

Banning the commercial trade of wild animals


 for human consumption, for traditional medicine and private keeping. We need to immediately close all markets that sell live wild animals to protect animals, ecosystems and humans. Find out more about the #RuthlessTrade!

Ending factory farming

Ending factory farming 


to stop the unnecessary suffering! We need to end cage keeping of farm animals, long-distance live animal transports and all cruel practices that make animals sick or favour the spreading of diseases.
Learn more here!

Reducing the global production and consumption of animal products

The global production and consumption of animal products


needs to be reduced by 50% by 2050. Please choose plant-based alternatives or make sure animal products are originate from higher welfare production systems.
Find our more!

Ending the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat

#ProtectMillions


Ending the dog and cat meat trade to stop the immense cruelty, help eradicate current zoonoses such as rabies and cholera and prevent the real risk of future zoonoses emerging.
Learn more!

When animals suffer and endure cruelty, they are weakened and vulnerable, creating the perfect conditions for disease to spread between animals. Because there is so much exchange of disease between these animals, some pathogens develop the ability to jump to humans – and  have deadly consequences, just like we are seeing with COVID-19. When they suffer, we suffer!

All you need to know...

All you need to know...

About pandemics and the role of animals.

Pandemic Prevention and Response

Pandemic Prevention and Response

Measures to prepare for and contain disease outbreaks

FOUR PAWS position papers on One Health & preventing pandemics

Free Range Hens

Together, we can make this possible

We can create a place where animals, the environment and people are treated better. Please join us and support our demands for a world of higher animal welfare! 

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Animal Welfare and Preventing Pandemics

FOUR PAWS position papers on One Health and the importance of preventing zoonotic diseases at source 


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The economic effects of the next pandemic could set us back for years


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